Amazing Stories (2020)

Rating: ⭐⭐½

This latest anthology TV series from Apple TV is a reimagining of the series of the same name way back in 1985. Like its predecessor, Steven Spielberg is an executive producer of this series. Back in 1985, Spielberg's touch and style was very much present in the episodes. This new Amazing Stories have high production values, and decent performances, but I personally found the stories more "unbelievable" than "amazing". It is also obvious from the way these stories were told that nothing really bad would happen to the main characters, as we are all in for a happy and heart warming ending. There is nothing wrong with that strategy of course because after all hasn't Steven Spielberg made a name for himself for making big blockbusters with that very same approach?

But I think it is important to have that knowledge in mind when approaching this series and not to expect the likes of "Black Mirror" or even the tamer anthology series "Twilight Zone". That will help manage the viewers' expectations and enjoy these stories that the whole family can enjoy without any worries. The new Amazing Stories has only 5 episodes in total, each with a modest running time of under one hour. One of the joys of watching a good anthology series is the surprise element that each week's episode has he potential of bringing as every story is a standalone. Plus, under capable hands, a story can be efficiently told within the tight runtime length, offering an amazing story with hopefully an amazing conclusion that lingers in your mind long after the credits have rolled.

For me, all the episodes with the exception of the final episode 5 The Rift, had been competent and entertaining, but, nothing great. It is certainly better than a lot of new series on TV today but I personally think it has the potential of being so much more impactful. Even the recent reboot of Twilight Zones by Jordan Peele had some very effective and memorable episodes despite its heavy political and racist undertones. The final episode The Rift was to me, the best in the series. It was very well paced and felt almost epic in its tone. Small wonder as this episode was directed by Mark Mylod who has been credited to have directed several episodes of The Game of Thrones. For me, this episode succeeded in bringing me back to the good old days of Spielberg with its story, characters, and style. If only the rest of the episodes were of the same calibre. As its stand, this Amazing Stories reboot is probably going to end up being shelved and not return for a second season unlike its predecessor which at least ran for two seasons and was critically acclaimed having won a number of Emmy awards.

(Review updated on 7 April 2020 to include reference to The Rift)